Core Knowledge
The Articles of Faith, a concise statement of core knowledge, provide a foundational understanding of a particular religious or philosophical tradition. Typically, they address fundamental questions about the divine, humanity's relationship with it, and the ultimate destiny of individuals and the world. These articles frequently articulate the essence of God, the function of prophets or spiritual leaders, the significance of scripture or sacred texts, ethical principles governing human behavior, and doctrines concerning salvation, the afterlife, or reincarnation. Whether presented as a creed, a set of doctrines, or a guiding philosophy, the Articles of Faith serve as a touchstone for adherents, offering clarity, unity, and a framework for spiritual practice and understanding.
I often find myself musing on the unique challenge inherent in describing the Latter-day Saint faith. How does one distill a comprehensive worldview—one built upon centuries of history, restored priesthood authority, continuous revelation, and a commitment to temple covenants—into an accessible summary for those unfamiliar with our tradition? The sheer weight of that scope could overwhelm any inquirer. It is in this context that the Articles of Faith, penned by the Prophet Joseph Smith, strike me as a masterful stroke of doctrinal conciseness. They are not the full library of our belief but rather a profoundly distilled, thirteen-point table of contents. When I read them—knowledge in the literal reality of the Godhead, the necessity of the Atonement, the call for divine governance, and the insistence on seeking "anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report"—I recognize them as far more than just a historical pamphlet for a curious editor. They become, for me, a daily moral and theological anchor. They transition our broad faith description into a practical, personal credo. My understanding deepens when I view these articles not just as abstract declarations, but as active promises: a commitment to accept revelation wherever it may come, to uphold fundamental ordinances, and to constantly strive for personal excellence. They bridge the magnificent sweep of the Restoration with the humility required of my individual daily walk, ensuring that the essence of our faith remains both complex in its history and beautifully simple in its requirements.
The Articles of Faith
- We believe in God, the Eternal Father; in His Son, Jesus Christ; and in the Holy Ghost.
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We believe that men will be punished for their sins and not for Adam’s transgression.
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We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
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We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the gospel are: first, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, repentance; third, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and fourth, laying hands on the cross for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
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We believe that a man must be called of God through prophecy and by the laying on of hands from those in authority to preach the Gospel and administer its ordinances.
- We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
- We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
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We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
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We believe all that God has revealed and all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
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We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
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We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our conscience and extend that same privilege to all individuals, allowing them to worship in any manner, at any place, or in any way they choose.
- We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates and in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
- We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, and virtuous and in doing favors to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.